Looking for a dedicated source for MP3/FLAC - not interested in PC + DAC / Squeezebox

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicroFi 

A simple MP3/FLAC-player in a desktop enclosure would be ideal, but maybe I'm looking for something that doesn't exist?

 

Afraid so. There are a zillion media players, but hardly one with a screen. And if they have a screen, like f.i. the Dune, it is a 8 character screen. For these players you need to switch on your TV, since they are primarily made for video.

But there are ways to use a squeezebox without a PC; you can use your NAS if it is powerful enough to run Squeezebox server, and the Squeezebox Touch can be used with a USB- stick or USB-HD. Or a small dedicated mini PC as a dedicated server....However, going one of these routes I advice to do some careful study, this is a good place to start: http://forums.slimdevices.com/index.php

Or do what I do, set the PC on sleep and wake it up when you want to listen...

Another possibility is a HTPC with build in screen, but they are very expensive; the case alone is usually something like €600,- around where I live.

Yet another possibility is a DAP with a dock, there are beautiful docks for pads.

My system see sign, and a WD HD TV for video, but the moment someone finally manages to add a useful screen in a media player I'll sell the Touch and the WD.

Have you considered just one of the hard disk based iPods?

These can be tweaked in many ways.  Rockboxed, iModded, etc.  You can get widgets that take the music off the hard disk, skipping the internal DAC/AMP.

Not an overly expensive way to make a small music server for headphone listening.

Particularly if you stick with MP3 music, you can fit a lot into the 160 gig iPods.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicroFi 

The squeezebox looks almost perfect, except for the fact it needs a dedicated Squeezebox server to run (my NAS isn't a PC > it's a Lacie Network Space 2 > not able to run a SB-server). I didn't know the Squeezebox Touch was able to access files through USB-stick/USB-HDD, but I don't think that's going to be such an elegant solution. I already have an iPod, so a nice iPod-dock which takes the digital-out (does the iPod even have a digital out?!) and converts it to an analogue signal would be a good idea too. Thank you!

 

The Olive on the other hand ... looks great, exactly what I'm looking for, but ... too expensive

Good choice too, I think. There are a few docks that use the ipods digital out, and function like a digital source. Wadia has one that gets rave reviews, I think Denon got one too. I agree on the olives, far too expensive.

You can always build what you want....add your own HD packed full of music and the Mini iTX motherboard of your choice.  If Windows you can use Foobar or JRiver and control them both completely via an iTouch remotely.  If Linux you can use Music Player Damon and control it remotely.

Sound get pretty good sound and can run totally headless.

Total cost somewhere around $500

Pretty much a modded ipod (iMod) sounds perfect for want you're looking for imo.

have you considered the Brennan JB7 ? this could be what you're looking for, basically a hard drive + cdp in a small case with a display. It can't stream music and can't store FLAC though (also it's a bit expensive for what it does imo, but at least it looks good)

http://www.brennan.co.uk/

you're welcome, I was also looking for a dedicated transport at one point but ended assembling a HTPC.

the lack of lossless and network was a deal breaker for me.

Still if you ever order the  Brennan unit, I'd be interested to get your feedback on it.

also if you stumble on another product, please keep me/us updated.

squeezebox touch does not require external NAS\server and can play music from connected USB hard drive.

Have you checked Olive's products ? That's pretty high end stuff but it may suit your needs

http://www.olive.us/